Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

When trying to boot Windows xp home, I got the message Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM. I checked Q307545 on the MS Knowledge Base. I booted up in Recovery Console and got to the prompts. It never asked for a Administrator password. I couldn’t find the SYSTEM file in the CONFIG folder. So Ityped the following- Copy C\windows\repair\system.bakto C:\windows\system32\config\system.(there was a file called SYSTEM.BAD in the COMFIG folder. I tried to boot normally and it gave me same

original message but the SOFTWAREfile was missing or corrupt. I wanted to change everything back to the way it was but when I booted to the Recovery Console on CD it then asked me for the ADMINISTRATOR password.I tried just hitting enter, I tried admin, and I tried administrator. Nothing worked.

I cannot get to the Recovery Console now because it asking for an Administrator PW. As I stated before I got into the Recovery Console with no problem the first time and it didn't ask for a PW. I typed in Copy c:\windows\repair\system.bak to C:\windows\system32\config\system. It failed to boot again. I got the same message only with the SOFTWARE file.

I tried to get into the Recovery Console again to change the SOFTWAre FILE but it asked me for the ADMINISTRATOR PW. I don't know what it is or was since I never gave it one. Now I am stuck.

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I keep trying. I finally got in the restore console mode. I did the following:

1. backed up the following files in c:windows\system32\config software, sam,security and default. there was no file named system.

2. deleted from the config folder : software, sam,security and default. there was no file named system.

3 copied from the c:\windows\repair folder to the system32 \config: software, sam,security and default. there was a file system.bak that I copied as system

Now I can boot up and brings me to the signon folder in safe mode. When I boot up in normal mode I get to the desktop but in both instances it seems to freeze or at least I can't use the mouse or keyboard.

Sorry, I've run out of suggestions, by this time I would have removed the hard drive from the 530, used a SATA USB adaptor and attached to a working computer, transfered all files and folders I wished to save.

Then reinstall the HD in the 530 and either used Dell's PC restore feature, or reinstalled windows.

Bev.

If my answer was helpful, please use the 'Did this answer the question' and click: YesForum Member since 2001I am not employed by Dell